Young people gearing up to collect A-level and GCSE results over the coming days are being urged to look after their emotional wellbeing by staying calm, trying to relax and getting enough sleep in the run up to the big day.

Experts at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) are encouraging teenagers to prepare for their results by talking to friends and family about their expectations and thinking about all of the options open to them. Anyone who feels unable to cope with the pressure of getting their results should to ask for help and support.

A new blog has also been added to the trust’s dedicated youth website, www.whatsthedealwith.co.uk that offers advice to students collecting their results. Written by English teacher Victoria Grigg, it urges young people to remember that their grades do not define them while encouraging them to plan for all scenarios before receiving their results.

The advice comes as thousands of students prepare to receive A-Level and GCSE results and in the run up to the launch of a new Wellbeing service across Norfolk and Waveney, which will be available to anyone from the age of 16 upwards.

Beginning on 1 September, the service will offer help with common problems such as depression, anxiety and stress. A range of interventions will be available, including courses and workshops, face-to-face counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, social events and help to access community support.

The aim of the service is to treat patients as early as possible within GP practices or community settings, in turn reducing the likelihood of longer term problems by providing support near to where they live and before their issues become too great.

Katy James, Deputy Clinical Lead of the Wellbeing service with NSFT, said: “Lots of people feel pressure as they wait for exam results, but there are things they can do to help manage that stress. Talking to friends and family can help, while students should also try and get enough sleep and relax in the run up to the big day so that they are better able to cope with the inevitable emotions they will feel when they open their results.

“A wide range of information and help is available on the ‘What’s The Deal With’ website, while anybody who does feel unable to cope should ask for support.

“The extended Wellbeing service will offer dedicated help to young people aged from 16 upwards when it launches on 1 September. As well as one-to-one counselling and group work, a range of other interventions will be available to support people with common problems such as stress, anxiety and depression.

“Our aim is to make the service as flexible as possible so that it is truly responsive to the needs of each individual.”

For more information about the new Wellbeing service, which will be run by NSFT in partnership with Relate and Norwich and Central Norfolk MIND, West Norfolk MIND, Great Yarmouth MIND, visit www.wellbeingnandw.co.uk ​